Larks are small passerine birds. All species occur in the Old World, and in northern and eastern Australia. Only one, the Shore (or Horned) Lark, is also found in North America. Habitats vary widely, but many species live in dry regions.

They have more elaborate calls than most birds, and often extravagant songs given in display flight. With these song flights, males defend their breeding territories and attract mates. Most species build nests on the ground, usually cups of dead grass, but in some species the nests are more complicated and partly domed.